Paulo Costa frustrated after missing bonus while Howitt received double award

Paulo Costa expressed significant displeasure that Josh Howitt received a double bonus for his fight with Curtis Blaydes while Costa received no bonus at all. Costa acknowledged Howitt's performance was excellent and called it one of the best heavyweight fights he has seen, but argued his own finish of an undefeated Russian opponent with a 16-0 record deserved recognition. The Brazilian said he knocked his opponent out after three rounds of hard striking and should have received a performance bonus instead of Howitt. Costa revealed he was so upset that he messaged Dana White and Hunter Campbell about the decision. He stated the situation made him feel terrible and angry, adding that he trusts White and Campbell will reconsider what he believes was a mistake.